The advice given to mothers after childbirth is to sleep when their baby sleeps so they can get some rest. Yes, that’s great advice if the baby actually sleeps. But what if you spend the nights pacing the halls with a wide-awake newborn as if it’s daytime?
Here we present five common reasons why some babies love the night life and what you can do to restore a proper sleep schedule.
- Your baby doesn’t know if it’s night or day
Some babies start to sleep on a so-called reversed schedule, when they switch day for night. Your baby sleeps well during the day but is awake and playful at night. This is frustrating and exhausting, but it is temporary. Here are a few things you can do to help your baby learn that day is for play and night is for rest:
- Keep them awake a little longer during each awake period during the day. This will help increase the need for sleep later. Some sleep experts recommend playing with the baby for a few minutes after feeding, instead of letting them fall asleep.
- Take the baby outside and into the sun (make sure they are well protected, of course). Natural light helps reset their internal clock. If you can’t go outside, place the baby’s crib or stroller near a window with plenty of daylight.
- Avoid sleep-inducing activities, if possible, during the day. Don’t fight your baby’s need to sleep, but if you can keep them out of the car seat for a while, that extra time will help later.
- Dim all lights or turn them off at night near the baby’s sleeping area. The same goes for sounds and movement. Your goal should be to eliminate any distractions.
- Consider swaddling the baby at night so their arms and legs don’t move and wake them up. You can also try putting them to sleep in a bassinet or stroller with a blanket around the baby so they feel cozy and secure.
- Your baby is hungry
Hunger is a common reason why babies wake up during the night. Babies need to eat to grow. If you are breastfeeding, milk is quickly digested. Your newborn often doesn’t eat much in one feeding, which means they may wake up hungry and ready to fill their tummy. Even if you know you’ve fed the baby a few hours earlier, check if food is what your child needs.
Thirst is another reason why babies wake up, so breast milk or formula can help.
- Your baby doesn’t feel well
Almost always, something is happening with your newborn’s body, and much of it is uncomfortable. Around the fourth month, your baby might start teething, they might have a cold or allergies, they might have gas or be constipated. Any of these things will cause the baby to wake up frequently during the night. Check with your pediatrician if you suspect pain or allergies might be the culprit.
If you think gas is the problem, massage their tummy to help release it.
- Your baby needs you
Some babies are so “in love” with their parents that they don’t want to waste time sleeping. Your baby wants to know what you’re doing. Like any baby, they want to play. With you. In the middle of the night.
Some parents find that sleeping in the same room helps the baby feel close while allowing the parents to rest. Just keep in mind that pediatricians recommend room-sharing but not bed-sharing with your baby.
- Your baby is playful
Babies are sensitive. Too much stimulation can disrupt their sleep routine. A busy day full of noise and activities makes it difficult for the baby to transition to rest mode.
There might be unwanted stimulation if mom eats too much chocolate that passes through the milk, too much pinching from an auntie, or simply too much play during the day.
You can’t undo what has already happened, but you can learn to estimate your baby’s activity threshold. Maybe a trip to the park and a visit to grandparents are all your baby can handle during the day. Don’t insist on going to dinner at the neighbors’ if you realize it means your baby won’t be able to calm down and sleep.
- Babies love routine
Babies love a schedule for feeding, bathing, cuddling with parents, and sleeping. Ideally, the family should gather in the evening at the same time, bathe and feed the baby, signaling that it’s time for bed.
